Many thanks
To the editor:
Having recently retired from the City of Cape Coral Fire Department after 21 years of service; I felt obligated to share my thoughts. I was the typical young boy who never out-grew the desire to become a firefighter. My grandfather use to walk me down to fire station # 7 in Flint, Michigan when I was a young boy to marvel at the fire trucks and speak with the firemen.
Over the years, I have had the privilege to see the same look of marvel in the faces of many young children who have either visited my fire station or attended a public education display. Unfortunately over the years I have also seen people at their very worst of times. I have witnessed long-time spouses say their final goodbye following an unsuccessful resuscitation attempt; I have seen parents overwhelmed and devastated by the loss of a child; and I have witnessed families standing in the street in the early morning hours with nothing left following a major fire that has taken all of their belongings.
However, through every one of these tragic events, I found comfort knowing that I had always gave my very best to assist you in every single emergency you called me to. I took my job seriously and trained and improved in every aspect of my job as a firefighter. There also were so many successful outcomes over the years in assisting in saving a life or quickly extinguishing a fire.
The time has gone by much too quickly. As I removed my fire helmet and hung it on the hook for the very last time back at the fire station, I felt obligated to share two very important words with you; thank you. I feel it an honor and a privilege to have served you over these past 21 years. As I left the fire station that last day I was comforted by the knowledge that you are still under the protection of the bravest men and women this community has to offer who stand ever-ready to respond to your emergency within minutes. You are in good hands indeed.
My deepest regards,
David G. Kilbury
Cape Coral